If your neighbor did this...what would you do?

[RitaE]

What I would do is likely move -- because we also like privacy. As long as the structure meets whatever codes and legal restrictions are in place I don't see what else you CAN do. You know saying Good fences make good neighbors? Mine goes: Multiple acres makes good neighbors.

Our house backs up to a forest preserve too.

 

[sam_gordon]

Yes and yes. Some of them are very strict about what you can and can't build.

We don't know that they conform, I know some that wouldn't allow it, I know some that won't even let you park your car on the drive way. IN our neighborhood, if you build a second garage or building, it has to be the same material as your house. I also know that some won't allow trampolines or swing sets that can be seen. Some have lots of rules and some don't. IT may not help in this situation or it may have helped.


Also in our neighborhood, you can't just put up a taller fence. Sorry but it can only be so high and it must be out of certain material.

Oh, I know HOA can be very strict. I just don't know that a HOA would have language preventing building something that is 'elevated, allowing a home owner to look into a neighbor's yard'. I can see them 'outlawing' decks, even 2nd story decks, or making sure the appearance is correct, just not because of the view allowed.

I do wonder... wouldn't the neighbors be able to look into the OP's yard from the windows of that story anyway?

 

[luvmy3]

I will go against people here and say yep, it would bother the heck out of me.

This could be one of the good things about living in an HOA. Around here, that probably wouldn't be allowed. It is one think to have your neighbors see into your yard, it is another if they have a lot of parties and everyone can see into your yard.

It would definitely bother me, but short of moving there wouldn't be anything I could do about it so I'd try to make the best out of the situation.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Plant a bunch of bamboo by the wall.

 

[Fortuosity]

1. Acquire land. 2. Move. (Reverse order if necessary.)

Can't suggest other ideas, unless you're open to moving to prison.

-------------------------------------------

First time he has a party, I'd have naked day in my yard.

A good time for peeing off the porch, too.

I'd give him quite a show. I'm very accommodating that way.

 

[KaLyn]

First time he has a party, I'd have naked day in my yard.

hahahahahahaha...yessss!

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

First time he has a party, I'd have naked day in my yard.

 

[Sparkly]

My yard is not fenced at all so people can see without obstruction.

We aren't doing anything in my yard that is secret though.

Op, what are you up to?

Doofenshmirtz Landscaping Services

 

[PizzieDuster]

We live very close to our neighbours. Our house is up higher then the people behind us. It's on a grade do that our main floor/deck is on second level at back, basement at ground level. They had a couple trees there when we moved in and we couldn't really see into their back yard. A couple years ago we came back from a 2 week vacation and saw the trees gone and a pool there. Now we can see right down into their yard from our kitchen window and from our deck. I think it's worse for them knowing people are staring down at them in their backyard.

We have the same thing. Our back house looks down onto the next street back yards.

I notice that one of the homes will NEVER open their second story blinds. They covered the decorative half moon window above their bedroom window. They did plant large trees to block their patio.

We planted large bushes so that when we are in the back yard, no one can see us and we can't see them. Only from the upstairs balcony or windows. If they look at those windows, they can only see ceiling. I know because I walk my dog on that street and always look up at my house.

I give them respect but it's just not our home that looks down on that street. But I do like to open my shutters & windows.

 

[vikster1]

Plant some fast growing shrubs or trees.

 

[Styx Fan]

OP, I feel your pain. My back fence neighbors put in an above ground pool a couple of years ago, then added a deck last year. The deck is right about at the level of the top of the privacy fence they installed some time ago.

Luckily, we do have some tall bushes that sort of block their view into our backyard, but not totally. The bigger problem is the noise. Since they are on the deck, there is nothing to muffle the noise of their kids (upper high school, early 20's) and grandkids. Loud rap music with lyrics I don't appreciate (and I love music, but not the language), fussing/crying/screaming/ toddlers being poorly parented, loud conversations that I don't care to hear (again language and inappropriate topics). I like to sit on my deck and read....not with that going on.

All that made it bearable was their inability to maintain the pool properly. It turns a lovely shade of swamp green and stays that way for weeks on end. After the first few days, everyone abandons the deck

 

[Kerrry7]

My family lives in a bungalow, down a country lane where all properties were originally bungalows. Our neighbours (who, btw have a loft conversion) told my family that if we were to ever apply for planning permission, they would appeal it as 'they like their privacy and we would be violating that'. But they have a large balcony which overlooks our house and I often hear them calling out to my dogs whilst they're out back. Sorry, a bit off topic lol (I'm new to participating in threads, sorry )

 

[bellebud]

My husband and I would both hate it. So would everyone in my family.

Actually, one of my brothers had the same thing happen to him. He landscaped to block their view and has total privacy now. I can't remember what he used... maybe tall evergreen bushes...

I know bamboo grows very quickly - my other brother has that on one side of his house for privacy.

In the house I grew up in, my parents had planted pine trees lining the property line on both sides of the house. So I guess we were all just very used to our privacy in the backyard, even growing up in a development that the houses were fairly close.

In the house I live in now, dh and I have a lot of pine trees and fencing for privacy in the backyard. I couldn't enjoy my yard without them.

 

[Dancind]

Well I go out in my back yard every couple of days in pursuit of some Vitamin D. Maybe 20 minutes in a sports bra and shorts. I'm 60 and about 20 lbs overweight, feel sorry for my neighbors if they get an eyeful. But not much I can do about it.

We have a high wall to the back neighbors, but either side is normal 6 ft fence. If they are back there and looking over, oh well. As someone above said, it's the price you pay. Or maybe the price they pay?